questions about basil

[Dirk Skene]

I am thinking about trying my hand at growing basil. I heard it likes plenty of direct sun. No problem. But I have questions. Is this a good time to start it? Is susceptible to bugs or other problems? I do not have a lot of time to tend it. Does it do well without a lot of attention? Till marigolds help the potential bug problem?

Any advice is appreciated.

[dxt178]

I have a little bit of an unfair advantage in that I have a small greenhouse off the side of my home, but yes good sunlight (maybe not direct all day but solid morning sun or about 6 hours total) and good watering is about all it needs.

I grew a ton last year for pesto and just started a bunch more two days ago for this year. We have just come out of a bit of a cold snap and finally on the upswing temp wise. Late spring frost is a sure killer.

Fertile soil/organic compost and, if potted, solid drainage is a must.

[Dirk Skene]

Originally Posted by dxt178

......... solid drainage is a must.

I have 3' high bricked in flower bed in front of the house. I thought about using that. I KNOW it drains well.

[lauriestroupe]

I grow everything organically and had no problems with pests on the basil. It was easy to grow. The only thing to remember about basil is to keep pinching. Once it goes to seed, harvest is over.

We're past our last frost date here, so it is safe to plant outside. I image most zones are okay already. Use bedding plants to get a head start, but there's enough time for a harvest if you start from seeds, too.

Try some Thai basil for something different. I love it with corn, dragon peppers, and a little brown sugar. Yum.